Sorting laundry is something you'll be used to as a busy parent. Why not involve your toddler and help them learn at the same time?
It's a great way to help children understand how words and things are connected. Check out the video below to see how.
When sorting out laundry, name each item of clothing and give your child simple instructions.
Why sort laundry with kids?
- Sorting laundry is a great chance for children to connect words they hear with objects they see and feel
- Naming who items belong to helps them learn about possession
- It can help them practise following simple instructions
- They can start to hear words and phrases to describe placement like 'in the basket' or 'on the line'
How to sort laundry with kids
- Name the different items that you're sorting and repeat them to reinforce the meanings
- Expand on this by saying whose items of clothing they are - 'That's mummy's dress', 'That's daddy's sock', 'That's your t-shirt'.
- If they say a word or phrase, repeat it back to them correctly and add to it. So if they say 'dress', you could say 'Yes, that's your dress'
- Ask them simple questions like 'Where shall we put it?' or 'Where does that go?'
- Try and give choices of where to put things
When sorting out laundry, name each item of clothing and give your child simple instructions.
Teaching children about routines
All sorts of daily routines can be an opportunity for children to learn. Try some of these ideas:
- Try introducing children to different foods while you prepare meals
- Getting toddlers dressed for the day can be the ideal time for them to practise following simple instructions
- Roleplaying bath time is a great way of teaching about this part of their daily routine
